Our Heritage

Our Heritage

The private company Elias G. Barbalias - Special Buildings Constructions was founded in 1971 by Elias G. Barbalias, whose vision was to enrich and beautify the city he loved – Athens.

The company was initially involved with the construction of high-density multi-family apartment buildings and later expanded its operations by constructing innovative large housing complexes with landscaped areas known as “Studios“ that received public recognition and awards.

In 1977, as the company evolved, the original headquarters were transferred at “Galatsi Center“, an awarded mixed-use project located in Galatsi, where they are still based until today after several expansions.

The company focused and became known for the construction of speculative high standard of cutting edge technology buildings on Vassilissis Sophias Avenue for demanding private clients or large corporations. The company’s signature style was the combination of Classical and modern always reflecting on the Classical Greek notion of proportion. Good architecture is rather like a beautiful woman.

Moreover, through the years the company gained expertise in the reconstruction of listed buildings by applying new methods and techniques. Its excellent reconstructions have rejuvenated the city center and have been set as examples for other similar works.

In 1980, the company expanded its operations to the US real estate market by establishing its subsidiary “Naos American Enterprise“. Its activity focused on acquiring real estate properties on the West Side of New York City and converting them into high end and high rise apartment buildings by preserving their unique characteristics, reminiscent of their previous uses.

In 1991, the company explored other business sections beyond construction and real estate, and founded two subsidiary companies, “Technognosis A.E.“ and “Greek Factor A.E“. These two companies specialized into providing innovative programs for the national security and defense material sectors and also executed the project of tele-medicine program on behalf of NATO.

In 1994 the company gained worldwide recognition by receiving the 2nd place at the MIPIM competition in the business center category with its project “Kifissias Plaza“, a milestone year for the accomplishments of the founder.

From 2000 to 2003, the 3 children of Elias G. Barbalias gradually started joining the company after having successfully completed their studies in Greece and abroad.

George Barbalias, a graduate of Athens College (1993) with a Bachelors degree in Business Management from Deree College, Elena Barbalias, a graduate of Athens College (1996) with a Bachelors degree in Fine Arts and a minors in Economics from New York University, a Masters degree in Real Estate Development from Columbia University, and employment experience from the American company “The Marketing Directors“, New York City that specialized in marketing, sales and strategic solutions in all kinds of real estate developments in the US, and Fay Barbalias, a graduate of Athens College (1999) with a Bachelors degree in Management and Organizational Behavior from Deree College and a Bachelors Degree in Finance from New York University/Stern Business School.

In 2003, the company opened a boutique shopping center named “52 Adrianou“ located in downtown Athens, in the area of Monastiraki which in 2004 became the flagship meeting point for the American Express card members visiting Greece to experience the 2004 Olympic Games.

In 2014, the founder of the company, Elias G. Barbalias, passed away at the age of 69 years old leaving in charge his 3 children who continue the activities of the company.

Elias G. Barbalias - Special Buildings Constructions has been a leading long lasting construction and design company with a 47 year reputation and experience and has demonstrated design excellence and a portfolio that includes high profile customers and a range of projects. Its buildings are examples of quality, enduring value and lasting legacy.